The Church of Our Saviour in Chelmer Village has appointed its first female vicar, Rev Clare Nicholson.

She has joined the church from Prestwood in Buckinghamshire, and is enjoying her time in Chelmer Village.

She said: "I think Chelmer Village is lovely, I'm enjoying it very much. The people have been very friendly and the church has been very welcoming."

Clare, a former history teacher, and psychiatric nurse comes from a close family and was first made a Deaconess in 1985.

Also starting at the church is Jim Thorneycroft, the United Reform Church Minister, whom Clare says she is very much looking forward to working with.

Clare played down her role as the first female vicar, commenting: "I'm only the third vicar here anyway, it's a very young church so being a female vicar isn't really an issue".

She added: "I am delighted to be appointed to the Church of Our Saviour and am particularly looking forward to working with such an enthusiastic and able congregation."

Rev Clare Nicholson.

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